The director Rishab Shetty, with his film Kantara: Chapter 1 from the INCA Awards, India's second-most-wined actor-director, has made inroads across cinema and won top honours again. The film star was a pan-India star whose accolades made it the first time in India to win Best Actor, Best Director and Best Film.
Kantara, as well as its prequel Kantara: Chapter 1, made a huge contribution to Shetty's career to the forefront of national cinema. Deeply entrenched in local culture and narrative, they have garnered critical acclaim and dozens of awards across many venues. Rishab Shetty triumphed when he was crowned at the INCA Awards ceremony, where Rana Daggubati and Karan Johar hosted the ceremony.
Shetty thanked the world for its work on the Kantara films that were completed four years prior. “It is everyone who is working on this, not only myself: I do it, so to speak; it is not just my own work”. He had great gratitude towards his wife, Pragathi Shetty, whose continuous encouragement and inspiration were tremendous gifts and support.
Shetty made the film for the Kannada folk and the mystical God he adores, in particular. But what many were surprised by as he spoke is that he omits Hombale Films and producer Vijay Kiragandur. Even with thanking technicians and the team, Shetty did not acknowledge the production house that supported both Kantara films.
This raises questions of a possible disconnection between the actor-director and the production company. Rumors added to the flames: Hombale Films' official social media feed recently showed that Rishab Shetty had unfollowed them. Though the matter has not been formally discussed between either party, the news that has emerged has triggered a lot of discussion among fans and industry watchers regarding potential tensions.
Serenity is at the same time keeping up with Rishab Shetty, who is trying to do something different: Not the Kannada cinema. He is in charge of the Telugu pan-India film Jai Hanuman, directed by Prashanth Varma. Rana Daggubati is also featured in a major part; buzz is already building on the film.
Shetty has also announced an addition to his own film production, but no final details of what that project stands for have emerged so far. It shows his emergence as a filmmaker and producer in the changing world of Indian cinema. But the silence around Hombale Films that follows his recent award wins only adds a new and intriguing element to that success.
It's not clear if this omission was intentional or just an oversight, but it is certainly now a talking point in the industry. As Rishab Shetty climbs the career ladder, his work achievements and industry relationships will be monitored.
